Ever since I decided to cut back on work and focus on this website and myself, I have been doing a lot of reading. And it feels unbelieveably good. A few weeks ago I accompanied my dad to the library and came home with an armful of non-fiction books on marketing, nutrition, consumerism and veganism. Each time I sit or lay down with a book outside in the summer air or inside on a rainy day I feel simultaneously relaxed and inspired. When's the last time you gave yourself this gift?

Some people read every night after work/before bed, but way too often I hear, "I wish I had time to read." Well, now I'd like to encourage you to make time for it, which is why I'm launching the Eco-Vegan Book Club! Join me and others passionate about health and sustainability as we pick a book every month and then discuss it online via Google+ Hangout. It's a great opportunity to re-commit to reading, learn more about important issues and meet new like-minded people.

I'm always on the hunt for non-toxic, eco-friendly products that aren't packaged in plastic, so I was thrilled to discover Eco Nuts. These dried berries are a very natural (and fun) way to wash laundry. They are organic, fragrence-free, hypo allergenic, biodegradable and reusable (use them up to 10 times!), plus they come in entirely plastic-free packaging! I've used them several times in my apartment building's standard washing machine (they work in HE/front loading machines too) and the results continue to amaze me. "You'd be nuts to use any other soap!"

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "what juicer do you have?", so I made this video to share my recommendation and advice. I personally own the Omega 8004 (masticating), which I absolutely love.

Soooo...did you hear that some organic brown rice products contain arsenic? Yep, at least that's what a study says, and it's pretty frightening if you don't know all the details. Fortunately it seems we don't have much to worry about, and here's why:

Since I've been sharing my cleanse journey and inviting others to join me, I'm often ask what to buy at the grocery store. It depends on what type you're doing, but in my case it's the 21 Day Adventure Cleanse from Crazy Sexy Diet, which focuses on alkaline, whole, plant-based foods. During my last trip to Rainbow Grocery I documented each item I purchased and made this video and list to give you an idea of what to buy on your next trip to the store.

Looking for something yummy, satisfying and filling to have in between meals during your whole foods plant-based cleanse? Here are some things you can pick up at natural markets like Whole Foods, online (see links), or save a little money and make them yourself!

Las Vegas isn't usually the place to go when you're eating healthy. One would assume it's also not great for vegans either, but when you look closely and do your research both assumptions are quite false. You may have seen my reviews from my trips to Vegas in the past, but those were the old days - my diet has changed and the city is getting healthier and healthier, so I can't wait to go back and try it all out.

Just wanted to check in for those of you who don't follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or YouTube (though I can't imagine you don't follow at least one of those!). My cleanse is off to a great start - on Day 3 and going strong/feeling wonderful! Plus, my boyfriend decided to do it with me, which has been really great (see Cleanse Day 2 video). I haven't had a lot of free time to write so I've been doing mainly video content - check out the following videos when you have a chance. If you're doing a cleanse as well and would like some support I encourage you to join the Google Group (which has 34 members) and stay tuned for live video hangouts on Google Plus and occasional UStream live Q&As. I love hearing from you so would love an update on your cleanse in this comment section or any of the above sites.

No matter if you're on a cleanse or trying to follow a healthy diet it's important to stock your kitchen well. You may be new to the whole foods plant-based way of eating or simply looking for ideas on what to eat for your January detox, either way here's a video of suggestions followed by a list of foods to buy on your next shopping trip.

So, you've decided to do a cleanse huh? Well, congratulations! It's especially exciting if you plan to do it at the same time as me and the other EVG community members. Whatever type of cleanse you choose, it's important to mentally prepare for it. I like the advice in Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet book - she recommends that you give yourself a week to transition and start cutting out the junk and adding in the wholesome, and this means both dietarily (is that a word?) and emotionally.